Barnes and Hennen had a couple of beers leading up to the accident, according to newspaper archives. A couple of cans were found near the tracks and reportedly came from a cooler near the residence.

Authorities reviewed footage from Norfolk Southern Railway that showed Hennen and Barnes were embracing while lying on a private railroad crossing at the McDonald Farm, which is owned by members of Hennen's family. They never moved as the 12-car train approached at 45 mph, the footage showed.

Members of the train's crew noticed them about three to five seconds before striking them, according to newspaper archives.

Hennen, who worked as manager at his family's restaurant, Hennen's, had taken Barnes, a hostess and waitress there, to his family's farm after finishing work Sunday night, authorities said.

Hennen's great-grandfather, Roy McDonald, founded the Chattanooga Free Press. Barnes was the granddaughter of Marion Barnes, who was the president of Covenant College from 1965 to 1978.